Stimulus Check

[fasteddie577]

My aunt is a widower. Her husband passed away in 2015. She doesn't file a return but does receive a social security check. She didn't receive a stimulus check in round one, nor has she this second time around. What are her options? Thanks

[NCperson]

she will have to file a 2020 tax return.  you get do a free one from turbo tax.  that will result in a $1800 refund on that return. 

that is the only option as there is no 'non-filer' program like there was earlier this year.

https://freefile.intuit.com/

[VolvoGirl]

Fill out a 2020 return.  She can enter $1 of interest income to be able to efile it.  Make up a 1099 for it and put $1 in box 1.

[Opus 17]

It may not be too late for a round 2 payment.  The new bill authorizes the IRS to get the addresses of qualified recipients from the social security administration.  Round 2 payments must be distributed by January 15.  If no payment comes by then, your aunt will have to file a tax return.

If her only income is non-taxable social security, she will have to make up an imaginary $1 of bank interest.  A return with zero income can't be e-filed, and the IRS doesn't care about the $1 trick, it's been used for years. 

[fasteddie577]

Thanks. I will let her know. 

[fasteddie577]

Thank you.

[fasteddie577]

When filing the 2020 tax return, should we input the social security income even if it's not taxable? Thanks

[NCperson · Accepted solution]

correct ...at low levels of income, it's not taxable in any event 

[Opus 17]

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@fasteddie577 wrote:

When filing the 2020 tax return, should we input the social security income even if it's not taxable? Thanks

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You can enter the 1099-SSA for the sake of completeness, but Turbotax will calculate that it is not taxable.

[fasteddie577]

Thanks again.